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Friday Roundup — Dec. 8, 2017

News Roundups are posted every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday morning with quick hits on what you may have missed and what is still to come in the soccer world.

Welcome to Friday’s News Roundup. Here’s what you may have missed and what is still to come in the soccer world.

College Cup

Final Four

The NCAA Division I College Cup will be played here, this weekend at Talen Energy Stadium in Chester.

No. 9 Stanford will play No. 5 Akron in the first semi final match, which is set to kickoff at 6:00PM. Then, immediately after the match, No. 3 North Carolina will face off against No. 2 Indiana.

For more on a familiar name on Akron’s roster and the university’s generosity toward its fans, give previous Roundups a read.

The final is slated for 1:00PM on Sunday and will be broadcasted on ESPN2. Semi final matches will be broadcasted on ESPNU. Or, if you’re looking to brave the elements in preparation for the Philadelphia Union’s opening day next season, tickets are available here.

For a preview of the matches, storylines, and players to watch this weekend, we recommend you check out Jonathan Tannenwald’spreview for Philly.com.

Philadelphia Union

Earnie Stewart Interview in FourFourTwo

Some reading for you, the Fan. Union Sporting Director Earnie Stewart was interviewed by football monthly, FourFourTwo. Big Earn always has something interesting to say.

Note from the editor:I haven’t had a chance to read the interview yet, so let me know what you made of it. Leave a comment below, or Tweet at me @JasonPFD or @PFDaily_ with your thoughts, criticisms, or #InEarnieWeTrusts.

Why Should You Care?

It’s not for us to say why you should pay attention to your local professional football club, nor is it Eugene Rupinski’s. If you have a minute, or if you find yourself questioning your sanity and support of the Philadelphia Union, we recommend you give Rupinski’s latest for The Brotherly Game a read.

US Soccer

United States to Face France in June Friendly

On Wednesday, the French Football Federation (FFF) announced via Twitter a series of Summer tune-up matches for Les Bleus, including a friendly between France and the United States Men’s National Team.

In response, the US Soccer Federation (USSF) indicated that a contract with the FFF hasn’t been signed, but that both federations are currently in the process of finalizing the contractual details of the match

The match is set to be held at Lyon’s Groupama Stadium, on June 9. It will be the final match before Les Bleus travel to Russia for the 2018 World Cup.

US U20 Goalkeeper, Jonathan Klinsmann Comes Up Clutch in Professional Debut

Making his club and European debut for Hertha Berlin on Thursday, Jonathan Klinsmann, the son of former United States manager, Jürgen Klinsmann, made a crucial penalty save against Swedish club, Ostersunds.

Although Hertha had already been eliminated from advancing in the Europa League, Klinsmann’s 87th minute save spoiled Ostersunds from winning Group J.

Hertha manager Pal Dardai had no shortage of praise for his young keeper, saying: “Jonathan has developed well. He looks good and is much better in training, from his stability and control,” Dardai said. “There’s pressure. He has to show he can live with the name.”

Klinsmann previously played for the University of California. He was offered a contract in the offseason by the German club, after a successful trial.

It is the second consecutive Ballon d’Or for the Portugal and Real Madrid ace. Ronaldo’s two tallies in this year’s UEFA Champion’s League final helped to power Madrid to a 4-1 triumph over Italian giants, Juventus, the club’s third trophy in four years. In addition to a continental title, Ronaldo also helped Madrid capture a La Liga title, which was the club’s first in five years.

Accepting the award at a ceremony held at the Eiffel Tower in Paris, Ronaldo told reporters, “I feel very happy, it’s a fantastic moment in my career, I’ve been waiting for this for a long time.”

Ronaldo previously won the Ballon d’Or in 2008, 2013, 2014 and 2016, while Messi won the award four consecutive times from 2009 to 12, as well as in 2015.

For more information on the history of the Ballon d’Or trophy and past winners, we recommend you check out the hyperlinks above.

Philippe Coutinho is Not Ruling Out a January Transfer

Now bringing you the latest segment of Will He Stay Or Will He Go?: Philippe Coutinho Edition.

On Thursday, the Brazil and Liverpool star reaffirmed his commitment to “doing his best” for his club. He didn’t, however, rule out a move away from Merseyside and said club.

“I am at Liverpool and I always do my best when I have the opportunity to play, respecting the jersey and the supporters,” Coutinho said. “I do not know how the future is going to be. What will happen in January, we will know it in January. I do not know if there will be an offer.”

Coutinho, 25, has scored nine goals in 13 appearances for Liverpool this season.

Make sure to check back next week for the the latest Will He Stay Or Will He Go?: Philippe Coutinho Edition.

Thanks for giving the latest News Roundup a read. Check back on Monday morning for the latest in the football world.